Mark Amenta

He/Him
Acting and Elective Teacher

I started acting in high school and haven’t stopped since, with my most recent performance being in What the Constitution Means to Me last spring at Actors’ Theatre. I also direct and write for the theatre, including eleven curriculum-based musicals for Face to Face Productions in Chicago, many of which performed here in Grand Rapids at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and at area schools. With a BA from the University of Notre Dame and an MFA from the University of Minnesota, I was fortunate to teach theatre courses at Hope College, GRCC, and GVSU. I was a member of the team that developed and taught Hope’s “Arts for the Elementary and Middle School Teacher” course, which became the model for other such courses throughout the state. My connection with Civic Theatre includes having my play Wait accepted by and performed in the Ten for All Playwrighting Festival, and teaching classes in acting and improvisation. I really appreciate how Civic enthusiastically respects and supports its instructors, often seeking out our opinions and relying on our expertise, and creating a very positive environment for everyone involved. Many thanks to Jenna and Deb, and to the glorious students I have the great fortune to work with.

What inspires you?
Children’s faces, their enthusiasm, their smiles, their creativity.

Who is your favorite fictional character?
Velveteen Rabbit

What was your favorite after school snack growing up?
Yellow cupcake with chocolate fudge frosting.